Tour the Deep Sky - Astronomy Magazine

Learn the best ways to observe galaxies, star clusters, and nebulae, and get advice on which objects to target each night.

Summer observing targets for small telescopes

Astronomy magazine Senior Editor Michael E. Bakich highlights the objects you can see this summer using a small telescope. Highlights include the Hercules Cluster, the Ring Nebula, the Lagoon Nebula, and more.

By Michael E. Bakich

Summer observing targets for large telescopes

Astronomy magazine Editor David J. Eicher shares 10 of his favorite summer deep-sky objects, including the Bug Nebula (NGC 6302), the Eagle Nebula (M16), Barnard's Galaxy (NGC 6822), and more.

By David J. Eicher

The deep sky

This guide will help you better understand deep-sky objects and also provide lots of targets for your telescope.

By Michael E. Bakich

How to observe deep-sky objects

Michael E. Bakich, author of 100 Most Spectacular Sky Wonders, reveals his top 10 deep-sky targets.

By Michael E. Bakich

How to observe nebulae

Astronomy Editor David J. Eicher gives tips for teasing out faint details in these celestial clouds of gas and dust.

By David J. Eicher

How to observe star clusters

Astronomy Editor David J. Eicher tells you what to look for and how to tell these "cities of stars" apart.

By David J. Eicher

How to observe galaxies

Astronomy editor and famed deep-sky observer David J. Eicher gives advice on teasing the most detail out of distant star cities.

By David J. Eicher

See Dave Eicher's favorite deep-sky objects (part 1)

Astronomy's editor shares several nebulae, galaxies, and clusters he enjoys observing.

By David J. Eicher

See Dave Eicher's favorite deep-sky objects (part 2)

Astronomy's editor shares several nebulae, galaxies, and clusters he enjoys observing.

By David J. Eicher

	Sun	Sun	Moon
RISE	—		—	PHASE	—
SET	—		—	DISK	—

	Mercury	Mercury	Venus	Venus
RISE	—		—
SET	—		—
		—		—

	Mars	Mars	Jupiter	Jupiter	Saturn	Saturn
RISE	—		—		—
SET	—		—		—
		—		—		—